Billie retains Powerpuff tiara

Billie Inabo Pangelinan was thrilled to compete anew in the Powerpuff Class and winning the division was simply icing in the cake in last weekend’s 2023 Turkey Cross at the at the Cowtown Race Park.

After being forced to compete in the Mini II Class this past season of the Monster Energy Point Series Race, the 14-year-old Saipan Southern High School student finally rode in familiar waters and won all three heats for 75 points. Guam’s Jerian Guzman came second in the Powerpuff Class with 66 points.

“I was really excited that we were having a Powerpuff Class again! Racing with the girls is always so exciting. We were putting on an exciting show to watch. It was also so much fun racing with the women’s class as well.”

Aboard her trusty Honda crf150r, Pangelinan said it was a great idea by the Marianas Racing Association to combine the Powerpuff Class and Women’s Class in one race.

“The competition from Guam in the Women’s Class was so challenging. They combined the two classes that put on a challenge as I had a chance to test myself to race with women on bigger bikes.”

As for race conditions, she said “the track conditions were really good. It was really tacky. I definitely had good grip on the track.”

Pangelinan then thanked the following for making the 2023 Turkey Cross possible—Grants Office of the Governor’s Office, Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, MarPac (Guy Pudney), JEM Ent. (Ed and Jovie Flores), D&Q Ent., Old Spice, Department of Public Works’ Roads and Grounds Division (Mike Borja), Department Corrections Commissioner (Anthony Torres), Corrections Lt. Jeff Quitigua from the DOC Community Outreach Program, YCO True Value, Inas kitchen, Ellery Cruz and Dave Celis for track design and upkeep, and of course the MRA.

And speaking of the Women’s Class, Marianna Wenden took the tiara with 72 points, followed by Nanako Celis and Maribel Igitol with 69 points and 60 points, respectively.

In the Mini II Class, Jonathan Aguon took all heats enroute to accumulating 75 points. Pangelinan settled for second with 62 points, while Calix Cruz took third with 56 points.

Other winners were Kanoa Torres in the Peewee ATV Class (75 points), Kyan Mayo in the Peewee I Class (75 points), Royce Butler Peewee II Class (75 points), Julian Lane in the Mini I Class (75 points), and Anella Igitol in the Mini ATV Class (75 points).

Results of the rest of the classes in the 2023 Turley Cross will be published in tomorrow’s issue of Saipan Tribune.